Superficial veins of the neck

The superficial temporal and maxillary veins merge, forming the retromandibular vein, the posterior division of which unites with the posterior auricular vein to form the external jugular vein. The facial vein receives the anterior division of the retromandibular vein before emptying into the internal jugular vein, deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The anterior jugular veins may lie superficial or deep to the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia.